Do you consider it reasonable that outlets charge a door charge or insist in a mimimum consumption charge on peak nights?

Does this include paying the cover charge for entertainment?

yes but you have to judge what you consider entertainment!

Oh, I mean like either a band or some sort of show. Possibly a DJ, but like a special one (if you know what I mean).

I would pay to see a band or a show (comedians, etc), but not a DJ (cos I'm getting old).

Paying a cover charge just cos it's Saturday night though? Forget it.

I've been screwed on the minimum charge thing too (at Brown Sugar).

Whatever necessary to keep the non-consumption, bring-my-own bums that occupy MY seat out

I agree - entertainment is the key. I'm not gonna pay to spend money in someone's establishment unless I'm getting something more than a place to buy a drink.

...but I have to add that I will feel entitled to go in and check the action before I pay, or get refund if I decide to leave short time after I paid -> 10-15 min.

I agree with Stray Dog.
If there is a cover charge just because it's Saturday, I just go on a different night, doesn't make a difference to me.

In the case of the Tavern, your peak charges have always been in the form of drink coupons, redeemable at the bar. As long as you consume enough to use these coupons (2-3?), there is actually no extra charge. I consider that to be very reasonable on a night where space is a premium-- and at the Tavern that is usually a time where a major sporting event is being shown.

I don't like cover charges that are simply admission charges, providing nothing else for the money than the right to enter. I usually avoid places that do this. However, asking that one prepurchase a couple of drinks (that a decent customer most likely intends to buy anyway) is another matter. It's a way of keeping the customer honest and a way to keep out the "I buy my beer at 7-11" crowd during times when space is limited. Putting numbers on the vouchers and having the odd draw can even make it fun.

I agree with this.